Five Ring Circus

If Tokyo hosted the Covid Olympics, then Paris is hosting the Olympics trying to forget all about Covid. There are some exceptions. For example, the Dutch. “In addition to limiting greetings to fist bumps, the country’s athletes have been encouraged to minimize contact with friends, competitors and members of the public during the Games to reduce the risk of exposure. The thinking is only partly a health measure. It is also a sporting one.” NYT: No Hands, Please: We’re Dutch.

+ The Dutch are probably on to something. One has the feeling that the number of athletes with Covid is quite high, in part because Covid is surging everywhere this Summer. Summer covid surge hits at least 84 countries and continues to climb.

+ Even occasional watchers of track know that one of the keys to races like the 400m is to remain as relaxed as possible. Well, Quincy Hall definitely broke that rule, and the minds of everyone watching, with an amazing comeback.

+ “When he takes the track inside the Stade de France, Wilson will become the youngest American male athlete to have ever participated in an Olympic track and field event.” Quincy Wilson, 16, to run 4×400 relay at Olympics. (16! This kid is going to have the best how I spent my Summer essay in his English class…)

+ American sport climber Sam Watson got a silver medal. While also breaking a world record.

+ Australian Olympic field hockey player apologizes after being arrested for trying to buy cocaine. (He was caught when a game ended but he kept running.)